Butanone

What is butanone?

Butanone, also known as methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), is a colourless liquid with a sweet, pungent odour. It belongs to the ketone group and is often used as a solvent in industry. Butanone is of great importance due to its rapid evaporation properties and its ability to dissolve many organic compounds.

Creation

Butanone is formed during the oxidation of n-butane or isobutane. It is also produced as a by-product in the manufacture of acetone. The oxidation is carried out by air or oxygen, whereby n-butane or isobutane is converted to butanone. This process takes place in industrial plants that manufacture plastics, paints, adhesives and other products.

Recognition

Butanone is characterised by a sweet, fruity odour that is often perceived as pleasant. This distinctive odour can be helpful in recognising the substance. The liquid is colourless and transparent. On contact with the skin, butanone can cause irritation, so caution is advised.

Limit values

In Germany, the limit values for butyl acetate are regulated by the Technical Instructions on Air Quality Control (TA-Luft) and the Occupational Exposure Limits (OEL). The OEL for butyl acetate is 200 ppm (parts per million) or 590 mg/m³. These limit values are intended to ensure that the concentrations in the workplace do not cause any damage to health.

Hazards

Health hazards: Butanone can cause respiratory irritation, headaches, dizziness and nausea if inhaled or swallowed. Long-term exposure may cause permanent damage to the respiratory tract and nervous system. Skin contact may cause irritation. Environment: Butanone is harmful to the environment, can contaminate water sources and harm aquatic wildlife. It also contributes to air pollution, which affects air quality and indirectly human health. Economic damage: Butanone can damage materials such as plastics and coatings, leading to repair costs and production downtime. Additional safety measures increase operating costs for companies.